Image: Shutterstock
Though most of us are aware that Thailand boasts of the most elegant monasteries, exquisite beaches, and lip-smacking cuisines, did you know that country is also famous for native last names? In this post, we bring you some famous Thai last names. Thailand, also referred to as the land of smiles, is known for its astounding beauty and culture. Interestingly, the country is equally famous for the last names of the natives. Surnames or last names were uncommon in Thailand until the 19th century. However, Thai kings were inspired by the culture of adding surnames from the West, and that is how this policy began in Thailand. Several Thai surnames have a touch of Thai, Hindi, Arab, and Chinese languages, with some also reflecting a person’s motherland or profession. Thai surnames are unique due to laws designed to prevent duplication, making each one a unique marker of identity and heritage. Dive into this for an exclusive collection of the common Thai last names or surnames with their meanings.
Did You Know?Common Thai Surnames, With Meanings
1. Adulyadej
It is a name inspired by the former famous King of Thailand, Bhumibol Adulyadej. The name is derived from the Sanskrit words “Atulya,” meaning ‘incomparable’ and “Tej,” meaning ‘power.’
2. Amarin
Amarin means ‘forever or ‘long-lasting.’
3. Ambhom
Image: Shutterstock
It is a heavenly last name as it means ‘sky’ and is of Thai origin.
4. Ananada
Derived from the Sanskrit word, Aanand, the name means ‘joy’ and ‘happiness.’
5. Anchali
Th name of Cambodian origin refers to the word of new beginnings and luck, as it means a ‘greeting.’
6. Anong
Derived from the Thai word Anong, it means ‘beautiful woman.’
7. Anuman
It means ‘little patience’ and is of Thai origin.
8. Anurak
The name is inspired by a Thai mythological angel and means ‘the protector.’
9. Apinya
It is a mythological-inspired Thai origin name as it means ‘magic power.’
10. Aromdee
Although it means ‘rare,’ this Thai origin name is common in the provinces.
11. Arthit
Inspired by the Hindu name ‘Aditya’, Arthit means ‘man of the sun’ and has its origin in Thai.
12. Asnee
The Thai origin name is nature-inspired and it means ‘lightning.’
13. A-wut
A Thai-inspired name is suitable for warriors as it means ‘a weapon.’
14. Ayutthaya
The name is taken from the famous city, Ayodhya. Idiomatically, it means ‘invincible.’
15. Bannarasee
A nature-inspired Thai origin name, Bannarasee means ‘lotus’ that symbolizes enlightenment.
16. Bho
Referring to the tree of awakening, Bho is a Thai origin surname that refers to the ‘Bodhi tree.’
17. Bui
Itis an occupational last name as it means ‘farmer.’
18. Chaichana
It is a Thai origin name suitable to descendants of warriors as it means ‘conquer.’
19. Chaiyasing
Chaiyasing is a Thai origin name and means ‘victory.’
20. Chakrii
Considered a noble title, this Thai origin last name means ‘king.’
21. Charoensuk
It is a motivational last name that means ‘to prosper.’
22. Chen
It is an optimistic Chinese origin name that means ‘tremendous’.’
23. Chevapravatdumrong
Refers to ‘biography,’ this last name is related to a multi-generational family.
24. Chuo
It is the Thai form of the Chinese name Cai (or Kai), which means ‘rejoice.’
25. Dokbua
Image: Shutterstock
Referring to the gorgeous ‘lotus flower,’ this Thai origin surname symbolizes enlightenment.
26. Du
It is originally a Chinese origin name from the Zhou dynasty.
27. Hiranchai
Hiran means ‘immortal’ and ‘chai’ means ‘acceptance.’
28. Kasem
The last name of content, Kasem, means ‘happiness’ and is of Thai origin.
29. Khamkaeo
“Kham” in Thai means ‘speech’ and “Kaeo” means ‘diamond.’
30. Khamwaen
It means ‘golden ring’ and is a surname of Thai origin.
31. Khemkaeng
Meaning ‘strong, ’Khemkaeng is a Thai origin name that means empowering and encouraging.
32. Krungthep
Itrefers to Bangkok, ideal for those families originating from the capital city.
33. Kul
Inspired by Hindi, Kul means‘family.’
34. Li
This Chinese-inspired surname is popular in Asia and refers to ‘logic.’
35. Lueangsuwan
Defining the ‘yellow color of gold,’ this Thai origin name is all about inner shine and brightness.
36. Madeua
It is a nature-inspired Thai origin name as it refers to the ‘fig.’
37. Makok
It is a topographical name that refers to someone from the Mokok islands of Thailand.
38. Malee
Referring to a ‘kind of flower’ or simply ‘flower,’ Malee is a nature-inspired Thai origin name.
39. Mamuang
The Thai name of the tropical ‘mango’ is a surname defining nativity.
40. Mangkhut
Itis the native name of the exotic fruit ‘mangosteen.’
41. Manoban
It is a Sanskrit origin name that means ‘mental balance.’ Lisa Manoban, the Thai rapper is a famous personality with this name.
42. Narak
It is Thai slang that means ‘cute.’
43. Na Chiangmai
Itis a topographical name and refers to the descendants of the city Na Chiangmai, which was also labeled as creative city by UNESCO.
44. Niran
The simple Thai origin name means ‘eternal.’
45. Noi
The native Thai word Noimeans ‘young.’
46. Ngam
The Thai origin last name means ‘beautiful.’
47. Paśú
Derived from the Hindu word ‘pashu,’ this Thai origin name means ‘livestock.’
48. Phonlamai
The name of goodness as this surname means ‘fruit’ in Thai.
49. Phutsa
Image: Shutterstock
Referring to a ‘jujube’ fruit, Phutsais a rare Thai surname.
50. Pravat
The lastname usually depicts the ‘history’ of a family. Pravat refers to the same and is of Thai origin.
51. Rakhang
It is a famous surname indigenous to Thailand that also captures its aura as it means ‘bell’ and ‘chime,’ and is sometimes referred to as ‘temple.’
52. Ratanaporn
Ratna, a Sanskrit origin name, means ‘gem.’ And Ratanaporn means ‘crystal blessing.’
Trivia53. Rattana
Inspired by the Sanskrit word “Ratna,” this name means ‘gem.’
54. Rattanakosin
It is a Thai origin ancestral name for those from the Rattanakosin dynasty.
55. Ritthirong
A Thai origin name suitable for a family of leaders means ‘good at fighting.’
56. Rochana
The name has both Thai and Sanskrit origins. In Thai, it means ‘good with words’ whereas, in Sanskrit, it refers to ‘red lotus.’
57. Rueng
A name of royalty, Rueng means ‘glory’ and has Thai origins.
58. Saechao
The Thai form of the Chinese name “Zhao”refers to someone from the Zhou dynasty.
59. Saechueng
The name is the Thai form of the Chinese name, “Zhuang” referring to the largest minority group in China.
60. Saengkaew
The Thai surname means ‘crystal light.’
61. Saelau
It is the Hawaiian form of Chinese ‘Liu.’
62. Saelee
An alternative name for Saeli, which is another form of “Li.”
63. Saeliew
The rare surname is another form of Saelau, a version of the Chinese origin name ‘Li.’
64. Saelim
The Thai form of Chinese ‘Lin,’ Saelim refers to a ‘forest.’
65. Saeng
The native form of the Chinese name “Wu,” means ‘martial.’Saeng also finds origin in Thai and means ‘light.’
66. Saengarun
The rare Thai origin name, Saengarun means ‘dawn.’
67. Saengchan
means ‘moon,’ giving it the meaning ‘moonlight.’
68. Saengkaeo
Kaeo means crystal, and this Thai origin name means ‘crystal light.’ It can also be used as “Saengkaew.”
69. Saengmai
The name combines the energy elements of nature as it refers to ‘light’ and ‘tree.’
70. Saengsawsang
Sawang means ‘shining’ in Thai.
71. Saengsuwan
A shining surname combines the properties of ‘light’ and ‘gold.’
72. Saengthong
Thong is another name for ‘gold’ and is of Thai origin.
73. Saetae
The Thai form of the virtuous Chinese name Zheng means ‘righteous.’
74. Saetan
The popular Thai last name is the native form of the original Chinese name ‘Chen’ which means ‘dawn.’
75. Saetang
A common surname derived from the Chinese surname Tang, which means ‘gift of God.’
76. Saetiao
Image: IStock
The Thai form of the Chinese name “Zhang” refers to the action of ‘drawing a bow.’
77. Saeueng
The Chinese name “Huang” in native Thai form refers to the people of higher society who would usually wear jade in the olden times.
78. Saeyang
Refers to the Chinese name “Yang,” from ‘yin and yang.’ It is the ‘masculine principle of the universe.’
79. Salae
Originating from the Arabic name, ‘Salih’ means ‘virtuous.’
80. Salaeh
It is another form of the surname ‘Salae’ and means ‘great singer’ of Arabic origin.
81. Sathi
The name means ‘partner’ and is of Hindi origin.
82. Sibunrueang
The Thai words “si,” “Bun,” and “Rueang” combined means ‘glory,’‘merit,’ and ‘bright,’ respectively.
83. Shinawatra
This Thai last name means ‘one who does good.’ It is also the last name of the former first female Thailand Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra and holds national importance.
84. Sihawong
It means ‘lions’ dynasty’ and is of Thai origin.
85. Singkham
It is inspired by the word “Simha” meaning ‘lion’ of Hindi origin, and “Kham” meaning ‘speech’ or ‘word’ from Thai origin.
86. Sitwat
The Thai name means ‘color of the heart.’
87. Soikham
Meaning ‘golden necklace,’ this Thai name is simple and classy.
88. Somsri
The Thai origin name is an ideal surname as it means ‘sacred.’
89. Suwannarat
The popular Thai last name is classy and elegant and means ‘gem.’
90. Suedao
The Thai name of nature’s finest hunter refers to the ‘leopard.’
91. Suwan
Derived from Mandarin, Suwan means ‘gold’and also symbolizes ‘purity.’
92. Sakdan
The surname is ideal if your ancestors were warriors, as it means ‘powerful individual’ and is of Thai origin.
93. Sanouk
Sanouk means ‘fun’ and is a surname that would constantly remind one of the good times.
94. Siriporn
The Thai-derived name means ‘blessed.’ One of the famous people with this last name is the folk singer Thailand singer SiripornAmpaipong.
95. Tham-boon
The Thai origin name means ‘merit creation.’
96. Thong di
The last name was inspired by the historic hero Phraya Pichai who was renamed Thong di by his instructor. It means ‘one with white teeth’ and is of Thai origin.
97. Trubbaya
It means ‘treasure’ and has Thai origins.
98. Wang
The Chinese origin surname means ‘king.’
99. Wong
Inspired by the Chinese surname, Wong means ‘a field or a meadow.’ It is also referred to as ‘kin’.’
100. Zhang
It is a common Chinese surname that represents drawing a ‘bow’ or an ‘archer.’
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Illustration: Common Thai Last Names Or Surnames With Meanings
Image: Stable Diffusion/MomJunction Design Team
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why are Thai last names long?
The people of Thailand prefer to have unique surnames that represent their family’s identity well. Hence, each family tries to create a unique surname that might make them long.
2. How do Thai last names work?
Thai last names are usually limited to a few members to keep the surnames unique. Hence, a surname is inherited from parents and is only used by immediate family members.
3. Can Thai women keep their last names after marriage?
In Thai culture, it was customary for women to take their husband’s last name after marriage. However, under the Surname Act of 1913, there are no legal restrictions, and some Thai women may choose to keep their maiden name or hyphenate their last names for personal or professional reasons.
4. Is every Thai last name unique?
While many Thai last names are unique, there can be some similarities due to the growing population and historical naming conventions, resulting in specific last names being shared by different individuals.
5. Do Thai people put their last names first?
No, the naming pattern followed in Thai culture is as follows- given name followed by the family name.
Thai last names are often too long since they are not supposed to have the same last names unless related. Thai names can be complex, long, and difficult to pronounce. But, it conveys more information about a person. Religious and superstitious factors may influence how people choose their surnames. Sometimes people may add words and make the last name longer to keep it unique.
Infographic: Common Thai Surnames, With Meanings
Thailand is famous for its exotic cuisine, architecture, and blue beaches. Its people have a rich cultural history reflected in their last names. In the following infographic, we have some common Thai last names with their meanings to enhance your knowledge. So, read on and save it for future reference. Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Thai last names are unique and represent the country’s culture, history, and social structure.
- These surnames have been influenced by numerous languages besides Thai, such as Hindi, Arabic, and Chinese.
- Thai surnames have meanings influenced by mythology, Buddhism, natural elements, human virtues, and power and authority.
- Some of the most distinctive Thai surnames are Charoensuk, Manoban, Rakhang, Saetae, and Anchali.
Community Experiences
Join the conversation and become a part of our nurturing community! Share your stories, experiences, and insights to connect with fellow parents.
Read full bio of Shikha Thakur
Read full bio of Srija Chanda Burman
Read full bio of Angela Alex
